9 Pennsylvania Pierogi Plates Just Like Grandma Used To Make
There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crafted pierogi, that pillowy pocket of dough stuffed with creamy potatoes or tangy sauerkraut. Growing up with a Polish grandma meant weekends filled with flour-dusted kitchen counters and the heavenly aroma of butter-fried dumplings. Lucky for us pierogi-lovers, Pennsylvania is brimming with spots serving up these delectable dumplings just like our babcias used to make.
1. Pierogies Plus
You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten pierogies made in a converted gas station! Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks serves up the most authentic Polish dumplings this side of Warsaw. The ladies behind the counter remind me of my own grandmother; flour-dusted aprons and no-nonsense attitudes.
Their potato and cheese pierogies, pan-fried with butter and onions, transport me straight back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s. The slightly crispy exterior gives way to a velvety potato filling that’s pure comfort on a plate.
2. S&D Polish Deli
Stepping into S&D Polish Deli feels like teleporting straight to Krakow. Nestled in Pittsburgh’s bustling Strip District, this unassuming shop houses pierogi treasures that would make any Polish grandmother nod in approval.
My personal obsession? Their sauerkraut and mushroom variety; perfectly tangy with earthy undertones that dance on your taste buds. The owners still use recipes passed down through generations, and you can taste that heritage in every bite.
3. Church Brew Works
Where else can you munch on pierogies inside a former church while sipping craft beer? Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville serves up divine dumplings beneath stunning stained glass windows and original cathedral ceilings.
Their duck pierogies; yes, DUCK!; are a heavenly revelation. Paired with their house-brewed Pious Monk Dunkel, it’s a religious experience for your taste buds. The contrast between the historic sacred space and the jovial atmosphere creates a pierogi pilgrimage worth taking.
4. Butterjoint
Who says pierogies can’t be fancy? Butterjoint in Oakland elevates the humble dumpling to gourmet status without losing that homemade touch. Their farm-to-table approach means seasonal fillings that Grandma might never have tried but would definitely approve of.
The potato and cave-aged cheddar pierogies come dressed in brown butter with locally foraged mushrooms. Each bite offers that perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy filling. Don’t tell Grandma, but their horseradish cream might actually improve on tradition!
5. The Pierogie Place
Hidden among pretzel stands and cheesesteak joints, The Pierogie Place in Philadelphia’s Liberty Place Food Court serves up authentic Polish goodness that would make Babcia proud. Don’t let the food court location fool you; these are the real deal!
Their potato and farmer’s cheese pierogies swim in a pool of melted butter that should be illegal. Each dumpling is hand-pinched with the telltale crimped edges that separate homemade from factory-made. For the full experience, add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of fresh dill.
6. Little Walter’s
Little Walter’s in East Kensington isn’t afraid to experiment with pierogi fillings that would make traditionalists clutch their pearls. But trust me; Grandma would secretly love these inventive takes after her initial shock wore off.
Their Buffalo chicken pierogies come topped with blue cheese and hot sauce drizzle; a Pennsylvania-Polish fusion that somehow works brilliantly. The tiny, hip space buzzes with energy as tattooed chefs hand-craft each dumpling with the same love as our grandmothers, just with funkier background music.
7. Mom-Mom’s Kitchen
The moment you walk into Mom-Mom’s on Richmond Street, you’re transported to 1950s Poland-meets-Philadelphia. The checkered tablecloths and vintage photos create the perfect backdrop for the most authentic pierogi experience in the city.
Their potato and sweet cheese pierogies come doused in caramelized onions that have been slowly cooking to perfection. Each dumpling bears the signature pinch marks from the owner’s grandmother’s technique. I’ve witnessed grown men cry after tasting these; they’re that reminiscent of childhood Sunday dinners.
8. Mom & Pop’s Pierogies
The line outside Mom & Pop’s in Wilkes-Barre forms before they even open; a testament to pierogi perfection that’s worth the wait. This family-run operation has been stuffing dumplings for three generations using the same recipe brought over from the old country.
Their classic potato and onion pierogies feature a dough so thin it’s practically transparent, yet somehow sturdy enough to hold the filling. Each dumpling gets a quick boil before being pan-fried in copious amounts of butter; just as God and Grandma intended.
9. Petrosky Pierogi
Blink and you might miss Petrosky Pierogi in tiny Simpson, PA. This unassuming storefront produces what might be the most authentic coal region pierogies in the state. The Petrosky family has been making these dumplings since before your grandma was born.
Their farmer’s cheese and potato pierogies come with a side of stories from Mrs. Petrosky herself. The dough has that perfect chew that only comes from decades of perfecting the recipe. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Friday, you might catch their special sauerkraut and mushroom variety that sells out within hours.
